Windows 8: Two ways to the “Start” menu show
A small but significant change in Windows 8 and 8.1 is the disappearance of the “Start” menu. Many users would like to have the practical function for activating applications and calling up system settings back. In this article, you will learn how to reactivate the popular menu, either with a tool or Windows standard tools.
Showing Start Menu in Windows 8
One of the advantages of Windows 8.1 is that Microsoft has again placed a Windows button in the lower left area of the program interface of the operating system.
With a right-click, it at least offers access to a number of important system functions. The button does not replace the familiar start menu, which is very popular with many users.
With a few simple steps you can insert the menu again under Windows. If you want, it even works without installing any software.
How to reactivate the Start menu using Windows tools
The Windows taskbar offers you the practical function of integrating folders. You can use this feature to install a start menu without any external programs.
To do this, click with the right mouse button on a free space in the taskbar and select the “Toolbars / New Toolbar” entry from the context menu. In the following dialog window open the folder “😄 ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuPrograms”.
Then click on “Open”. You will now find the new entry “Programs” on the right edge of the taskbar. If you click on the small double arrow to the right of this entry, you will be shown a list of all installed applications in the style of the Start menu. Applications can be conveniently opened from here.
If you want to remove the menu (temporarily), right-click on the taskbar. Select the entry “Properties” from the context menu. In the following dialog window, choose the “Toolbars” tab and remove the entry in front of “Programs”.
Integrate the start menu via software
A simple way to set up the Start menu again under Windows 8 is the Classic Shell application. After the installation you will find the start menu in the usual position at the bottom left of the screen. Compared to the manual method described above, the start menu is exactly the same as in previous Windows versions. You even have the option of choosing between three different designs in which the functions of the practical menu are arranged in one or two columns.